Robert Troy
Question:208. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a policy to deal with the use of the Irish language from preschool to university will be published. [39558/19]
View answerTuesday, 1 October 2019
Questions (208)
Written answers
The Department of Education and Skills has already developed a comprehensive policy for education in the Gaeltacht and is advancing the implementation of this policy.
The D.ES Action Plan for Education 2016-2019 is underpinned by the principles of key Government strategies including the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language and as such is committed to advancing the education elements of the Strategy. This is a cross government, cohesive strategy which provides a more effective engagement with Government objectives in relation to the Irish Language.
The Department is a key stakeholder and collaborates with the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (D.CHG) in progressing the 48 education measures set out in the 5 year action plan for Irish
This comprehensive plan presents agreed time bound measures to progress State policy on the teaching of Irish in the education system at all levels from preschool to third level.
The 48 education measures are set out in detail in the plan (Action 1: Education), with timelines for delivery. The measures are set out in the key areas of:
- Education in the Gaeltacht
- Partial Immersion
- Curriculum
- Assessment
- Teacher Training
- Resources
- School Provision and Teacher Supply
- Out of School usage of Irish
- Early Years Education
- Higher Education
Implementation of the Action Plan is led by DCHG in collaboration with relevant Departments and the Department of Education and Skills is represented on the Higher Level Oversight Group.
The Department has no plans at present to develop a further stand-alone policy for Irish-medium education outside the Gaeltacht. Instead, it is ensuring that the interests of Irish-medium education are incorporated into existing polices and that whole of government objectives in relation to the Irish Language are addressed in a cohesive and collaborative manner under the 20 year strategy.